IDAHO COUNTY, ID – According to officials on Sunday morning, 191 total personnel are now assigned to battling a wildfire burning north of US Highway 12 in the Nez Perce – Clearwater National Forest, known as the Post Fire. Officials say the effort also currently involves 3 engines, 3 helicopters and 4 hotshot crews.
First reported on Tuesday afternoon, the fire is located about 31 miles west of Lolo Pass. As of Sunday morning, it is still considered 0% contained and at 151 acres in size. On Saturday morning, officials estimated the fire size at 148 acres.
Officials said on Sunday morning that fire behavior remains moderate. Trees are drought-stressed and moisture in larger downed logs are at critically low levels, but live fuels are not yet contributing to fire spread. As temperatures remain above average, live fuels will soon become part of the active fire behavior matrix, said officials.
Hotshot crews are continuing to construct direct line along the fire’s west edge. Professional sawyers, supported by an engine crew, are dropping snags (dead standing trees) on the south flank near Highway 12. Another Hotshot crew is removing trees and vegetation to create a fuel break along Post Office Creek Road. Direct handline was constructed around half of the spot fire to the northeast of the main fire. The assigned helicopters are available to support firefighters Sunday. Fire managers are planning to scout opportunities for secondary line placement on Sunday.
The fire burning on a steep and rocky slope, particularly on a south-facing ridge near the highway, which initially allowed the fire to spread rapidly after it was first spotted. However, a break in the weather Friday evening helped reduce fire activity.
The firefighting efforts remain focused on protecting the Highway 12 corridor. Officials say the objective is to minimize the fire’s impact on this key transportation route, along with the surrounding recreation areas, Forest infrastructure, and natural resources.
Fire crews will continue to attack the fire directly as conditions allow, and will remain on high alert for any potential flare-ups, particularly with increasing temperatures expected over the next few days, say officials.
Fire officials noted that this year’s exceptionally dry spring has resulted in fuel moisture levels in the Lochsa River canyon that are usually seen later in the summer. This has made firefighting more difficult. Despite this, the light precipitation and cloud cover received on Friday have reduced fire activity, providing crews with a critical window to make progress.
Officials say temperatures are expected to remain warm today and through the week, with an expected high of 78° F on Sunday. Winds are forecast at 12 mph from the west with 27% relative humidity. A few subtle disturbances will be moving through, allowing for periods of light rain showers and potentially a thunderstorm for the next couple of days.
Authorities are asking the public to remain cautious as smoke may linger in the area, especially along the highway. Travelers are advised to stay updated on fire conditions, and forest visitors are reminded to be mindful of potential fire-related hazards.
Firefighters will continue their efforts throughout the day, hoping that the cooler temperatures and favorable weather conditions will help them contain the fire.
